Chapter Five: Bonds Forged in Preparation

At the Kingdom of Nehizena, King Nehizena sat in his chamber, poring over plans for his next attack. The room was dimly lit, shadows stretching across the walls as he meticulously outlined his strategy. His wife entered, her soft footsteps barely audible.

"My love," she began, her voice carrying a mix of concern and weariness. "We have achieved so much. With both our efforts, we've built a great city and extended our conquest through the north and into the west. Why are you still unsatisfied?"

Nehizena didn't look up from his plans. "Those victories were just the beginning," he replied. "Until I reclaim what belongs to me, I cannot be satisfied." He turned to her then, studying her face. "You look troubled. What is it?"

She hesitated before speaking. "This conquest troubles me. It already cost us one son, and then you took his twin, our only remaining son, away from me when he was just five. You gave him to the King of Meroe, and you won't even let me see him. Now I am left with only Irene, our daughter."

Nehizena's expression softened as he reached for her hands. "My love, please understand. Sending Erhahon to Meroe was necessary for his safety. Those who envy us took our first son's life—they wouldn't stop until they destroyed our family. They didn't want me to have an heir to the throne. Keeping Erhahon here would have put him at risk. I sent him to my trusted friend, King Tarhaqa, to ensure his survival. Everything I do, including this conquest, is for him—to secure a kingdom he can rule and a legacy he can inherit."

He held her gaze, his tone firm yet pleading. "You, of all people, know how hard I've worked for this since I was a boy. Please promise me one thing: no matter what happens to me or our kingdom, this conquest must continue."

She looked at him, her eyes filled with both love and sorrow. "Nothing will happen to you," she assured him.

But Nehizena shook his head, insistent. "Promise me," he repeated.

Reluctantly, she nodded. "I promise. But I don't trust the kings you work with. Be careful—they could betray you."

Her words gave Nehizena pause. He stared at the plans spread before him, the weight of her warning settling heavily on his mind.

Preparations in Gao

Back in Gao, Queen Nosaze returned to find King Sonni's forces in the throes of preparation. Soldiers transported weapons, trained rigorously, and strategized for the impending battle. As she made her way to the palace, she observed the controlled chaos, her heart heavy with both hope and apprehension.

When she reached the palace, she found King Sonni surrounded by his men, bent over a map as they finalized their plans. Sonni noticed her immediately, his face lighting up with surprise. "Nosa! You're back in Gao. I'm sorry I wasn't there to welcome you."

"You don't need to welcome me when you're this busy," she replied, a faint smile on her lips. "Besides, I didn't want to draw attention to myself." She glanced at the map. "I see you've drafted a plan."

Sonni nodded. "We're coordinating with the people of Garamantes to speed up our movements. Considering the distance, their support is invaluable." He gestured for her to follow him as he led her to the corridor.

"I want to go with you to the battle," Nosaze said abruptly, her voice steady but firm. "I want to fight alongside you with my army."

Sonni stopped, turning to face her. "That's out of the question. You're not trained for this kind of warfare. How will you defend yourself?"

"I can fight," Nosaze insisted. "I've been trained in sparring and wrestling. If you think that's not enough, then train me. Let my army train with yours."

Sonni frowned, considering her request. "Even if you come, my men and I will lead the charge. You and your army will stay behind us. It's too dangerous, and I can't risk anything happening to you."

Nosaze's face lit up with determination. "I promise I won't leave your side."

Sonni sighed, relenting. "Fine. We'll begin your training immediately. But don't forget what I said—stay close to me during the battle." 

Nehizena's Visit to Meroe

Meanwhile, Nehizena traveled to Meroe to see his son, Erhahon, and his trusted friend, King Tarhaqa. He left his generals and allied kings to oversee his conquered territories in the west, trusting them to maintain order in his absence.

King Tarhaqa, the son of the late King Arakamani, had promised to protect Erhahon to preserve Nehizena's lineage. However, they had agreed that Erhahon could only visit Nehizena's kingdom in disguise to avoid detection by his enemies.

When Nehizena arrived in Meroe, the city welcomed him warmly. A grand feast was held in his honor, but later that night, he and Tarhaqa sat by the royal pond, the moonlight reflecting off the still water.

"How is my son?" Nehizena asked, his voice tinged with longing.

Tarhaqa smiled. "Erhahon is doing well. He's excelling in his training and shows great promise. But Nehizena, this conquest of yours... don't you think it's enough? You're gaining too much power, oppressing others. Why not stop now? Your son misses you and his mother. Consider him, if nothing else."

Nehizena's expression darkened. "My grandfather, King Akhigbe, taught me everything I know. He was broken by the people of the west, and my father, King Akenzua, failed to avenge him. That shame has haunted me my entire life. I hated my father for making us look weak. Benin was once feared, but he reduced it to a kingdom of compromise."

He clenched his fists. "I swore an oath to my grandfather to avenge his sons and restore his legacy. My sister cannot stop me. I will see this through, and when it's done, Erhahon will inherit a kingdom worthy of his lineage."

Tarhaqa sighed, his heart heavy. "Nosaze is your sister, Nehizena. Go easy on her. And consider this: pushing people to the brink could backfire. Don't repeat the mistakes of your grandfather."

"They can't harm Erhahon if they can't find him," Nehizena replied dismissively. "Now, I want to see my son."

Tarhaqa summoned Erhahon, who approached hesitantly. The boy couldn't meet his father's eyes, his small frame trembling.

"Don't be afraid, my son," Nehizena said gently. He reached into his garment and pulled out a necklace with a leopard-carved pendant, identical to the royal necklaces worn by his ancestors.

"This is for you," he said, placing it around Erhahon's neck. "It will remind you of your royal lineage and the strength that runs in your veins."

Erhahon's face lit up, and he managed a small smile. Nehizena turned to Tarhaqa. "I'll take Erhahon with me for a while before sending him back to Meroe. But don't worry—he'll stay safe and out of the battle."

Tarhaqa nodded reluctantly. "I hope this isn't the last visit we share, Nehizena. Think carefully about your actions. The path you're on leads to destruction."

The Final Test

In Gao, weeks of rigorous training culminated in Queen Nosaze's final test—a duel against King Sonni. Soldiers, chiefs, and onlookers gathered in the courtyard, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the scene.

Sonni stood poised, his muscular frame radiating strength. Across from him, Nosaze exuded quiet confidence, her sword glinting in the fading light.

"You think you can defeat me, Nosaze?" Sonni teased.

"We'll see, Your Majesty," she replied, her tone calm yet determined.

With a swift draw of their swords, the duel commenced. Sonni, a master of brute strength and relentless aggression, launched a series of devastating strikes. Each blow echoed his years of rigorous training and countless battles fought. The air crackled with tension as his blade cleaved through the space between them, each swing powerful enough to stagger an ordinary opponent.

But Nosaze was no ordinary opponent. Her movements were precise, fluid, and almost hypnotic. Her blade seemed to dance, weaving through Sonni's assault with an elegance that belied her deadly intent. She deflected his strikes effortlessly, her eyes sharp and calculating, searching for an opening.

Sonni gritted his teeth, frustration mounting. With a roar, he unleashed a whirlwind of attacks, his blade a blur of steel and fury. Nosaze was forced to retreat, each step measured as she absorbed the full force of his onslaught. Yet, even as she gave ground, there was no fear in her stance—only patience.

She bided her time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When it came, it was like lightning. A precise, decisive blow disrupted Sonni's rhythm, forcing him to drop his guard. In an instant, Nosaze disarmed him, her blade flashing as it came to rest at his throat.

For a moment, victory seemed hers. But Sonni, with a surge of strength and speed born from sheer determination, closed the distance between them. He tackled her to the ground, his body pinning hers as his hand reached desperately for his fallen sword.

Their gazes met—her eyes, a captivating mix of defiance and vulnerability, froze him in place. In that fleeting moment, Sonni faltered. Something within him shifted, a spark igniting in his chest that he couldn't quite name.

Nosaze seized the opportunity. With a swift, calculated movement, her hand found the hilt of her sword. Sonni realized his mistake too late. She drove her knee into his chest, forcing him back, and with a powerful kick, sent him sprawling to the ground.

Rising gracefully, Nosaze stood over him, her blade once again poised at his throat. Her expression was unreadable—equal parts triumph and pity. "You underestimate me, Your Majesty," she said, her voice low but firm. "A warrior's strength lies not only in their physical power but in their strategy and resolve. Did'nt you not teach me that?"

Sonni lay still, his chest heaving, a small, wry smile forming on his lips. "And you've learned well," he admitted, his voice tinged with reluctant admiration. He shifted slightly, propping himself on one elbow. "How did you do that?" he asked, his tone softer now, almost incredulous.

"Do what?" Nosaze replied, lowering her sword but not her guard.

"Your eyes…" Sonni hesitated, the words failing him. "There's something about them."

Nosaze's gaze held his for a moment longer, understanding the unspoken sentiment. She said nothing, allowing silence to speak volumes.

Sonni exhaled heavily, sitting up. "You've proven your worth, Nosaze," he said finally, his voice carrying the weight of sincerity. "I yield. You will join us in battle."

The duel ended not with a final blow but with mutual understanding—a silent recognition of respect and equality between two warriors. They had tested each other's limits, each emerging stronger in spirit. And while Nosaze had claimed victory, it was a victory for them both—a bond forged in the fire of combat and tempered by their unwavering resolve.